The African National Congress (ANC) has distanced itself from a bread distribution incident that recently circulated widely on social media, saying the activity was not authorised by the party and was not part of any official campaign programme.
The video shows volunteers handing out loaves of bread to residents while using the ANC’s name and branding. The incident involves ANC Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts and has drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised that the act could be interpreted as a campaign tactic ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the circulating images created the misleading impression that the distribution formed part of an official ANC initiative. She clarified that the activity had not been approved by any structure within the organisation and that the party does not condone the use of its name or branding for unauthorised initiatives.
The incident sparked criticism from the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Gauteng, which described the distribution of bread as an undignified approach to political engagement. The civic body argued that gestures of this nature risk reducing communities to recipients of temporary handouts instead of addressing deeper socioeconomic challenges.
SANCO said communities in the province continue to face pressing issues including reliable water supply, sanitation, electricity, housing, and job creation. According to the organisation, these concerns should form the focus of political campaigning rather than symbolic gestures that fail to provide sustainable solutions.
While the ANC acknowledged that its members often participate in community support initiatives inspired by the values of Ubuntu, Bhengu emphasised that such activities should not be conducted under the ANC banner unless they have been formally sanctioned by the organisation.
She added that any form of assistance to communities must respect the dignity of recipients and should not be carried out in a way that undermines their humanity.
The party confirmed that it has taken internal action and reprimanded those involved in using the ANC’s name and symbols without authorisation. Bhengu also urged members and organisations to refrain from misusing the party’s branding, particularly in ways that could mislead the public or compromise the dignity of communities.
SANCO has meanwhile called on political leaders to prioritise ethical campaigning and meaningful engagement with voters. The organisation urged parties to focus on concrete programmes aimed at improving service delivery, promoting community development, and strengthening accountability as the local government elections approach.
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